Foodie-fun from James Cochran, Bounce Farringdon, & Gazelle

Food-fun from James Cochran, Bounce Farringdon, & Gazelle

By Joe Teng

Stuck for ideas? Need a bit of a lift? Or are you ready to tackle some new food and drink hotspots?

Well, my luxury friends, we’ve got just the thing. Here are a few of the top food hotspots in London that might just put the spring back in your step this autumn.

1251 by James Cochran

After years of working in some of the best Michelin starred restaurants in town (The Ledbury and The Harwood Arms), highly revered Chef James Cochran is embarking on a new and exciting project: Restaurant 1251 in Angel and Islington.

With a clear focus and determination, Cochran is bringing his magic and a touch of class to the heart of North London where his experimental style of cooking will be showcased. Working closely with small, independent suppliers – as well as staying true to his Kentish roots and background – Cochran is serving up some of the most exciting dishes in the City at this present time.

The a la carte menu will be focusing on sharing plates for both small and large parties with a five to eight course tasting menu also included (both available as vegetarian).

For larger parties ready to sample some of Cochran’s classics, expect his meaty goat sharing board. This gorgeous number consists of selected cuts of goat served with an array of tantalising sides including a fiery scotch bonnet jam, roti, creamy black eyed pea dhal, roti, pineapple, and many more.

As well as being open for lunch and dinner, 1251 will also give people the chance to stop by and have a snack in between to try James’ clever combinations and passion for the best fresh and locally sourced ingredients, such as smoked kipper and leek toasties, and an incredible white and brown Devon crab tartlet with prawn butter.

And who could say no to 1251’s epic playlist of classic funk, soul, hip hop, and rock ‘n’ roll? With good food and drink, good music and good vibes, you’re guaranteed to have a joyous experience.

Bounce Farringdon

Game changer Bounce Farringdon is taking the social gaming experience to a whole new level. Ripping up the rule book, they are going all out and taking the simple game of ping pong (some call it table tennis) and transforming it into a new ground-breaking adventure.

When Bounce was opened in 2012 it was seen as a massive shift towards combining entertainment with food and drinks. Fast forward six years, Bounce is now offering guests the ultimate social event with a fresh experience such as a new hangout area as well as a dancefloor to allow revellers to dance away well into the night.

As well as the interior undergoing a major overhaul, so too is the food with delicious street food taking centre stage. Expect lobster tacos, home-baked chubby chips, and mojito cake pops to work up your appetite before or after a competitive game of ping pong. In addition, Bounce has created a revolutionary gin and tonic, ‘Collagin’. This, my friends, is a treat for all G &T lovers: an anti-ageing concoction mixed with actual collagen that contains zero sugar and zero carbs. Yes, you have read that right, so there’s no need to feel guilty anymore!

The entertainment at Bounce has also been taken up a notch with ‘Game Gurus’ readily available to curate a specially designed experience, whether it’s for just plain fun and silliness, team building, or a worknight out. The Game Gurus have a background in the entertainment industry, so there’s no doubt everyone will get involved in what will undoubtedly be a fun-packed evening.

Finally, for all of you ping pong champions out there, why not try Bounce’s unique ‘Wonderball’ table, which uses digital projections to illuminate and create special interactive games.

Breakfast Launch at Gazelle

Popular Mayfair haunt Gazelle has launched a stunning new breakfast menu where drinks specialist Tony Conigliaro and internationally acclaimed chef Rob Roy Cameron have created a stylish and graceful offering.

From 8am-11am, Rob’s menu will entice guests with an assortment of delectable dishes including poached duck egg and smoked potato; pork cheek and pickled onion; and Black pepper with mackerel, tomato, and ricotta.

Of course, there are lighter options available, too, such as a delicious yoghurt, granola, carrot jam, and black sesame custard bun, alongside a selection of Italian cheeses and charcuterie.

A fantastic range of thirst quenching drinks will also be served alongside the new menu. From 10am, excellent breakfast cocktails from a grapefruit bucks fizz to a Bloody Mary and peach blini will be readily available, along with non-alcoholic cocktails including Raspberry and Rose, and Apple, Dill and Pine. A selection of coffees, fine teas, and juices will also be on the drinks list.

Contributor Joe Teng, aka ‘FoodPunk Joe’, is a London-based food critic on a one-man mission to showcase the city’s best cuisine, from fine dining restaurants to food markets. You can follow his adventures at https://foodpunkjoe.wordpress.com/

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